norethindrone birth control pill

Barrier methods of birth control include:

• spermicides,
• male condom,
• female condom,
• contraceptive sponge,
• diaphragm, and
• the cervical cap.

The main concept is to utilize a physical or chemical barrier to keep the sperm from reaching the egg.

Birth control is available in a variety of methods and types. The method of birth control varies from person to person, and their preferences to either become pregnant or not. Examples of barrier methods include:

• Barrier methods (sponge, spermicides, condoms)
• Hormonal methods (pill, patch)
• Surgical sterilization (tubal ligation, vasectomy)
• Natural methods
• The morning after pill

Side effects and risks of each birth control option should be reviewed prior to using any birth control method.

What are your birth control options? Learn about birth control side effects and effectiveness. Discover birth control methods such as birth control pills, birth control shot, implant, patch and more.

What is the best form of birth control? Take this quiz to find out about hormonal, surgical, barrier, and natural methods!

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube. Signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Lack of menstrual period (amenorrhea)
• Vaginal bleeding
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure

Treatment options for an ectopic pregnancy include observation, medication, or surgery.

Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They also can be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Endometriosis may not produce any symptoms, but when it does the most common symptom is pelvic pain that worsens just prior to menstruation and improves at the end of the menstrual period. Other symptoms of endometriosis include pain during sex, pain with pelvic examinations, cramping or pain during bowel movements or urination, and  infertility.

Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.

There are several different hormonal methods of birth control. The hormones can be estrogen and/or progesterone. The hormones can be taken by mouth, implanted into body tissue, absorbed from a patch on the skin, injected under the skin, or placed in the vagina. Common types of hormonal birth control include: "The Pill" (oral contraceptives), injection (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), the patch (Ortho-Evra), and the vaginal ring (Nuvaring).

The IUD (intrauterine device) is a birth control method designed for a woman. The IUD is a small "T" made of molded polyethylene plastic coated with barium so that, if need be, it can be seen on X-ray. There are two types of IUDs 1) Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) including the ParaGard, Copper 7, and Mini-7; and 2) Intrauterine system (IUS) including Progestasert and Mirena. Side effects of the IUD include spotting, infection, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Risks and complications of the IUD are miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increased menstrual bleeding.

Natural methods of contraception are considered "natural" because they are non-mechanical and non-hormonal. Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) are based upon knowing when a woman ovulates each month. Natural methods of birth control include: the calendar rhythm, basal body temperature, mucus inspection, symptothermal, use of an ovulation indicator testing kit, withdrawal, lactational infertility, douching and urination, and abstinence.

Boost fertility and increase your chances to conceive. Learn about ovulation calendars, diet, aging and other factors that can affect pregnancy.

Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes:

• Taking prenatal vitamins
• Eating healthy for you and your baby
• Disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections
• Avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby
• How much weight gain is healthy
• Exercise safety and pregnancy
• Travel during pregnancy

Relationships, sex, and love! Could it be that what motivates physical attraction in us may be all in our minds? Take the Sex & Love Quiz to challenge yourself on healthy human sexuality!

Noticing a lack of intimacy with your partner? Here we explore how stress, lack of sleep, weight gain, depression and low T can cause low sex drive in men and women.

How would you like a stronger immune system or better sleep? Action between the sheets can help you get all of this and more. Read on to discover the surprising health benefits of sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do. Common STDs in women are:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Zika virus
• Genital herpes
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Pubic lice
• Scabies
• Genital warts

Treatment for STDs depends upon the type.

Surgical sterilization is considered a permanent method of contraception. In certain cases, sterilization can be reversed, but this is not guaranteed. For this reason, sterilization is meant for men and women who do not intend to have children in the future. Types of surgical sterilization include: vasectomy, tubal ligation, STOP (selective tubal occlusion procedure), and hysterectomy.